And Äktschn please!

Video on Amazon.com I'm a quite some time looking for an affordable alternative to my GoPro. Often one would like to record special moments from different perspectives and needs more than one camera. However, the camera should not be too different in their characteristics from those of the GoPro is. To grasp the ActionCam wear on your head, it must be easy to want to use them for prolonged shooting, she needs a large battery, etc.

GARMIN actually comes from the Navi-range and built more recently ActionCams. That's why I was a bit skeptical. The result is in any case a very interesting device that with Actioncam established manufacturer keeps up thoroughly.

Construction / Installation
+ The Garmin virB comes with a Li-Ion battery (Garmin Eigenbau), by keeping in permanent consumption approx 2.5-3,5 h, which is 3 times as long as the GoPro, which takes a single battery charge just kanpp 1h. The battery compartment is located on the bottom and is locked with a delicate mechanism.
+ Under the battery is the slot for the microSD card. The Virb accepts without grumbling ScanDisk 64GB (Class 10) cards. So many hours of recording in Full HD at a time are possible.
o One can relatively quickly read the legal speed MicroSD card via USB3 adapter in the computer. Some GigaByte is does it matter noticeable. The virB taking out the microSD is already a right fumbling that goes much faster with the GoPro.
+ Without bracket weighs approximately 180g, the camera, making it just 20g heavier than the Gopro with housing (about 160g)
+ The virB makes with its typical GARMIN Military Look a more robust impression than the GoPro
+ On the back is a rubber flap behind the miniUSB2- and HDMI output
+ So you can view the videos directly from the device to an HD TV. However, live viewing is not possible.
+ On the top is the ca 30x20mm display, which reproduces the images live and in color. However, it is unlit, that in the dark you can see nothing. But: for setting up the camera that is itself very well. The GoPro Black transmits the data via WiFi to eg a smartphone, although having 1 sec. Versögerung, but the image size a lot better than the mini display the virB.
+ Forwards the spherical lens is mounted, protrudes from the curvature of the housing. If the camera because it, you certainly need an expensive spare parts.
+ Side is on the one hand the large REC slide and on the other side of the rubber switches for on / off and the 3 buttons for navigating menus
+ The mount on a plate, which extends over the length of the housing is to be mounted relatively quickly - a sort of quick release with one hand can engage and release the camera. Then it will be awkward. Similar to the GoPro there is this kind of hinge connectors, but they are carried out somewhat differently. Garmin there are 2 adhesive pads for a smooth and an arched (helmet) surface. That does it. However, the hinges are not perfect, but still compatible with the GoPro accessories. And with a 1/4 "Adpter for Garmin you can screw on a classic Statif the virB even.

PRO
+ The recordings with the spherical lens 1A. In many situations, my virB the GoPro seems to be par subjective. The total virB a brownish tinge, while the GoPro tends more into the blue. In addition, the virB shows very colorful, high-contrast images.
+ In artificial light the virB tends then slightly overexposed (in the example Aquarium)
+ Image stabilization is relatively well solved in virB. The small stuttering are quite good - better than the GoPro - balanced. If the stuttering however'll massively, eg mounting on a mountain bike handlebars, then the picture begins literally to pump at when it comes on a gravel road. The GoPro jerky on such occasions, of course, massively, which is not very pleasant. Therefore, the helmet or chest assembly is on the MTB anyway the better solution.
Viewfinder.
+ For experiments with slow motion there is also the 120 frames / sec. or for time-lapse and the 1 image / min.
+ Is very well done the big record button which turns on the camera and the recording mode starts. The delay between switching on and start recording in this case is 10 sec., With the GoPro is only 5-6 sec. Sometimes, usually by inserting a straight deleted SD card, it can sometimes even take half a minute. In any case, the delay is a bit cumbersome, 'present you this' wants to take a situation.
+ Very good is also the quick release that allows a handle to attach / detach
+ Battery life: there are possible loose 2.5 hours Full HD movie at a time. One can extend this again even if you connect an additional battery via the USB port. Charging time for the battery is about 3h.

CONTRA
o mounting connector: It seems intended by Garmin to be compatible with the attachment with the GoPro. Otherwise it can not declare that there is little mounting equipment for virB commercially themselves. So this is not actually a real lack - you have it just to know. There are now very effective assembly equipment for the GoPro from the Far East (including Amazon) and thus also for the virB.
o Water Resistance: for dives is only suitable when you have to buy the right housing the virB. I have certainly not daring underwater experiments. Spray and rainwater she defies readily.

CONCLUSION

All in all a very handy and versatile camera - with seeker. It is very robust and therefore well suited for some action, very easy to use. The price makes for an acceptable alternative to GoPro.

ADDENDUM (January 3): I have just the video looked in my review and found that Amazon has shut expects the resolution, allowing extremely pixelated. Imagine the whole so please in HD (1080p)! ;-))